Community Briefs / VALLEY NEWS

BURBANK : Utility Rate Hike Would Aid Schools

The Burbank City Council has taken steps to raise household utility rates an average of 40 cents a month under a plan to help the financially strapped Burbank School District by reducing its utility bills.

The council instructed the city attorney Tuesday to prepare a resolution that would reduce by half the district's yearly fees for refuse collection, electricity, and sewer and water service.

The reduction would be covered by the raise in household utility bills.

If ultimately approved by the council, the district would save $427,000 next year, said district Supt. Arthur Pierce. The higher household rates would take effect July 1.

The district anticipates an $800,000 deficit next year and could lose another $1 million in state funding, Pierce said.